Rockets’ Jones pleads not guilty to misdemeanor harassment

Rockets forward Terrence Jones pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a charge of harassment in Portland, Ore., following an incident in which police said he shouted at a homeless man and stomped on his leg.

Jones, 21, was arrested at 2:07 a.m. local time Wednesday and charged with a Class B misdemeanor. He was released on his own recognizance at 6:02 a.m. A trial date is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 6 in the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Jones, who was accompanied by his mother and other family members, did not speak at the arraignment. His attorney, Kevin O’Connell, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf.

According to a police spokesman, Sgt. Anthony Passadore observed Jones shortly after 2 a.m. walk past two men sleeping in a doorway, shout “wake up” and stomp on one of the men’s legs. Jones was with a group of about eight people when he was stopped and taken into custody about a half a block from the incident.

The victim, Daniel John Kellerher, 46, did not require medical attention. He is uninjured and is not pressing charges.

O’Connell said he would not comment on details of the incident but is certain Jones did not attempt to violently step on Kellerher.

“I’m convinced this is not a criminal incident,” O’Connell said. “He’s charged with harassment, and it will go away, I’m sure. It should not be a criminal matter. I think Terrence told him, ‘You better wake up,’ or something. The fella was sleeping on the sidewalk.

“He’s very embarrassed by this. He’s a young kid who can’t understand why this happened. He’s really upset over it. He’s not a person who would do something spiteful.”

Rockets spokesperson Tracey Hughes said the organization is aware of the reports but has no comment.

Jones, 6-9, played in 19 games as a rookie last season, averaging 5.5 points and 3.4 rebounds. He is expected to compete for the starting power forward spot after averaging 15.8 points with the Rockets’ summer league team.

A Portland native, Jones helped Kentucky to the 2012 NCAA title. The Rockets selected him 18th in the 2012 NBA draft.

O’Connell said Jones is free to travel, including on the Rockets’ trip to the Philippines and Taiwan in October.